"I WANT TO REMEMBER BAKU AS A VICTORY"

Millions of Formula One auto-racing fans know Fernando Alonso well. The two-time world champion and celebrity ambassador for the European Grand Prix has gotten acquainted with the Baku racetrack. He visited the construction site for the pit-stop building, the sharp turns near the walls of the Old Town, and the straight stretch near the seaside park, where Formula One cars can reach their top speed of 340 kilometres per hour.

During his three-day visit to Baku, Alonso spoke with fans as well as finding time to give an exclusive interview to R+.

- First of all we would like to thank you for taking the time to give us an interview. What do you think of Baku?

-It's hard to get to know the capital of Azerbaijan in only two or three days, but I was able to see a lot. On my next visit I will try to get more information. It was nice to see that people here know who I am and love me. Formula One is a new sport for Azerbaijan, but I am sure people will fall in love with it when they get to know it. 

- Last season was not an especially successful one for you…

- We had a very difficult season. We had practically no chance of winning. Until the end of the season I had some problems with the car that held us back at the tournament. But in the new season the drive for victory is stronger. We've started to miss success. 

- Are you thinking about retiring?

- Despite several unsuccessful seasons, the fans' belief in me has grown. I can feel their support. In a situation like this I can't leave the sport. I've spent sixteen years in Formula One and I would like to drive for another sixteen years. I'm in good shape, and I already miss racing. So I don't have time to think about retiring. 

- Are you satisfied with the technical specifications of the cars?

- Not especially. The vehicles are not high-speed. The cars weigh over 720 kilogrammes, and with weight like that you can't expect high speed. Formula One is not only a competition between drivers. If I become champion, it will be the engineers' victory. Formula One is also a competition between engineers and mechanics who have made the vehicles. A driver's work is only to drive the car correctly and get to the finish line first. 

- Why did you leave Ferrari?

- I realized that the time had come. If I hadn't gone over to Maclaren, my career would have taken a blow, and I already felt pressure from Ferrari. In a situation like that I couldn't compete freely. There you also have to be the leader, and they constantly remind you of that. 

- Do you have time to relax?

- In a year I am able to set aside 70-75 days for rest. That's very little. For the past two years I've lived in Dubai. Everything's perfect there. Because of my preparations for competition I visit several cities throughout the world, and you can fly anywhere from Dubai. Sometimes even when I'm off I think about Formula One. After a good bit of relaxation I can also compete with success. 

- At this point who do you think is the best driver?

- The best driver is the one who wins. Of course, now the leader among the best drivers is Hamilton. 

- Many people fell in love with Formula One because of Michael Schumacher. Do you keep up with how he's doing? 

- Schumacher is Formula One. He is a legend in the sport. We're very grieved by his problems. We believe that he will recover soon. Schumacher is a great sportsman. It's impossible to think of Formula One without him. 

- You have surveyed the Baku City Ring. Do you think there will be an interesting race there?

- On the long straight stretch they'll reach high speed, and then there's a sharp turn. I think that will be a challenge for the drivers. Making a turn after the burst to full speed is very difficult. On the 11th through 18th sectors the track narrows. That's the historic part of the city. On the 13th through 15th sectors the track inclines, so the strain on the cars increases, and it will be difficult there. In order to handle the track, it's necessary to first drive it a few times. This track will definitely get the adrenaline pumping. We can reach a speed of 340 kilometres an hour on it. 

- Some in Baku are afraid that laying the track near the walls of the Old City could damage them. What do you think about that?

- Of course, the organizers of the competition can answer that question better than anyone else. However, I think that there's no reason to worry and there won't be any problems. The number of urban tracks in Formula One has increased. Everything is calculated and regulated very thoroughly. The organizers are also very scrupulous when it comes to the safety of the fans and the surrounding structures. 

- Test drives have already begun. The Maclaren car looks more reliable than it did last season. How about the speed? Will you be able to join the battle for the championship?

- We've been doing test drives for the past month. They have allowed us to show the vehicle's potential. In the past three to four months the team has really done a lot. We solved a few problems we noticed last season. The car is better this year. There has been progress not only in reliability, but in control as well. Work on the car continues, and in Baku you will see a faster vehicle than you did at the season's first Grand Prix. 

- The strongest command is currently Mercedes. Have you ever thought of going over to that team, since it has won the championship the past two years?

- I joined this team to become the champion again. Maclaren has great potential. Last year our team had new personnel, so it was a tough season for us. This year we're more ambitious. I think we will be able to regain our strength. Whereas Red Bull used to be in the lead, now Mercedes is dominating. But we're one of the leaders, too. You can't count Maclaren out. We haven't lost that winner's spirit.

- What period in the history of Formula One had the best cars, in your opinion?

- I can't speak about all the seasons, but I consider the best period during my career to be 2003-2005. Back then we accelerated very quickly and covered the track quicker. Then the rules changed. I think that for a race car driver that was the best period.

- If you could change a Formula One rule, what would it be?

- I would allow the speed to be increased. Of course safety is very important and drivers should not risk their lives. But high speed allows for greater manoeuvrability, and that increases interest in the races. 

- Do you have any idols?

- I've loved football since I was a child. I really like Zinedine Zidane. As for basketball players, I have to mention Michael Jordan. There have been always been famous sportsmen that I have admired. There are probably people who choose Formula One drivers as their idols. If I can get people interested in the sport, I'm glad to do so.

- What do you think of Arda Turan?

- They love him in Spain. He played for Atletico in Madrid for a long time, and now he's on the Barcelona team. I'm a Real Madrid fan, though, so there's no way I'm going to like the way Arda plays (laughs). That's a joke, of course, but Arda is a very talented footballer. If he goes over to Real, I'll be very happy. 

- What memories will you have of Baku? 

- The smiling and hospitable people. But I would also like to remember it for a victory this summer. Then I would never forget Baku.